President Duma Boko, whose UDC won the General Election late last month, announced during his maiden State of The Nation (SONA) this week that they will lay the foundation for an affordable housing initiative by mapping housing needs, identifying sites, and commencing pilot projects in urban and rural areas.
Boko’s revelation did not come as a surprise because the UDC had indicated in their 2024 elections manifesto that it would develop policies and comprehensive schemes for affordable housing. In their housing pledge, the UDC promised to ensure ownership and finance for first-time buyers/developers at fixed interest rates, making home ownership more accessible to all. In its pillar three on land, housing, environment, climate change, and green economy, the UDC pointed out that it will also use the private sector and brigades, to improve housing schemes in villages and towns by erecting at least 100, 000 houses within the five years in government. While Boko did not reiterate the 100, 000 target in this week’s SONA, he highlighted that his government will launch a comprehensive national housing programme focused on affordable housing for all.
He said they will achieve this by working with local developers and international partners to construct housing that meets the needs of low and middle-income families. “Economic reforms must go hand-in-hand with social development. A nation cannot thrive when its people lack access to safe and affordable housing. The absence of a coordinated housing strategy has left many Batswana without stable homes, exacerbating inequality and stifling economic mobility,” President Boko told Parliament. Boko added that his regime would revitalise rural areas by ensuring that housing programs are not limited to urban centres but extend to rural communities, fostering balanced national development. “Housing is more than just a roof over one’s head – it is a foundation for opportunity. It provides stability for families, boosts productivity, and stimulates local economies. A strong housing programme will also create jobs in construction, finance, and related industries, driving immediate and long-term growth,” Boko further emphasised.
The leader of the tri-party coalition said they will also work on attracting investment and improving housing. He said by creating a legal environment that encourages investment, they will unlock the resources needed to fund large-scale development projects, including housing. “Likewise, a robust housing sector provides the stability and infrastructure that investors seek when deciding where to place their capital. Botswana’s transformation requires bold, coordinated action. Legal reforms will lay the groundwork for economic expansion, while a national housing programme will ensure that the benefits of growth reach every citizen. Together, these initiatives will not only transform our economy but also uplift the lives of our people, restoring pride and dignity to our nation,” Boko noted.
He disclosed that they will launch the National Social Housing Strategy to address both housing shortages and youth unemployment. Boko is now leading a country where the unemployment rate is high, therefore he emphasised that this initiative will employ thousands of young people in the construction sector while providing the much-needed affordable housing to citizens.
